Should you have surgury for herniated disk?/?

or let it heal on its own;; which is best

Depends on how bad it hurts now. Have you exhausted all other options, like therapy? If your pain is manageable right now then wait. Even with the best spinal/neuro surgeon your taking a risk. What ever you choose, weigh your options and don't rush into anything.

Don't be afraid to get a 2nd opinion either!

Good Luck!

yes better safe then sorry

tons of people have what is called a "bulging disk" or herniated disk. many people will never even know it- unless they have an xray. it isn't a problem unless you start having symptoms- like having trouble walking for example. If it isn't bothering you, you don't have much to worry about. If it is, you need to talk to your doctor, there may be other options before you would go to surgery- physical therapy, medications, epidural injections, chiropractic manipulation, etc...

Generally, the best thing to do is let it heal on its own. Most spine surgeons say that surgery is only necessary if the following 3 criteria are met:
1) Definitive evidence of herniation is demonstrated by an imaging study (CT scan or MRI)
2) This evidence exists in conjunction with a corresponding clinical picture and neurologic deficit (numbness in feet, foot drop with walking)
3) Conservative treatment for 4 to 6 weeks fails to produce improvement

Bed rest does not help and may actually hinder recovery; keep doing what you normally do - except of course, you train for marathons or something. Take ibuprofen to manage the pain (which may or may not help all that much). The great majority of cases resolve in 2 weeks.

Stay away from the chiropracter on this one! Manipulation may cause more harm than good!

A herniated disk, is when the soft tissue between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside of its normal position. The best explanation I got for it was, "think of an inflated balloon between your hands, push down on it and watch how it bulges out the sides", that is what a herniated disk is like. A herniated disk does not heal. With rest, anti inflammatory meds it will feel better, but it won't heal. There are several different methods of treatment ranging from chiropractic, physical therapy, steroid shots/pills, and surgery. The surgery has been greatly improved over the past several years, where they can actually do laproscopic surgery , however as with any back surgery, your movement will be somewhat limited after. Most Dr.'s will take a conservative stance, and try other methods, surgery being the last alternative.

not unless it is necessary. My husband has one and he never had surgery. He just used a cane to relieve the pressure on the back and did things that don't hurt his back. It hardly bothers him anymore.

I had a laminectormy in 1983 and felt great afterwards. I was having all the usual complaints - sciatica, numbness in my leg (my left leg), weakness. So for 23 years, I've run, golfed, swam and been pain free.

Get a second opinion and if you opt for conservative treatment, follow it to the letter. When it says bed rest, it means bed rest. Don't get up except for things you have to do. If you work and use your back a lot, try to minimize the possibility of hurting your back with proper lifting and posture,